Respect Mizo, Other diverse Sensitivity

Context: It is imperative for India’s larger polity to take full cognizance of the sheer diversity and complexity of nation, instead of confusing the yearning for unity with National Homogeneity. 

Longstanding Mizoram Dispute:

• Sections of Mizo never reconciled with British annexation of their lands and the arbitrary border with Assam.
• The bitterness of Mizo towards India due to Indian Airforce bombing in 1966 to quell the Mizo uprising.
• Mizoram was made a Union Territory in 1972
• Assigning of full statehood in 1987 - after signing of Mizo Accord in 1986 with Laldenga, representing Mizo National Front.
• Closure of a crucial highway on the border of Assam-Mizoram in 2020 due to clashes, which led to Mizoram’s Chief Minister procuring supplies from Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Way Ahead: 

• Inter-State Council must be revived to strengthen federal ties
• India has to learn to place equal importance on both elements of Unity in Diversity; Not acknowledging diversity can derail unity.